Alleged visa Scam Forces Ghana to Temporarily Shut its Embassy in the U.S. Investigations Underway

The Embassy of Ghana in the United States has been temporarily shut down. This action comes amid allegations of a visa scandal involving irregularities in the issuance of entry permits. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announced the closure in a statement issued over the weekend. They cited the need to investigate the matter thoroughly. Their goal is to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic operations abroad.

According to preliminary reports, several embassy staff are suspected of facilitating unauthorised visa processing. The exact scale and financial scope of the alleged scandal remain unclear. However, officials have described the issue as “serious and requiring immediate attention.”

The Ministry emphasised that the temporary closure is a proactive step to ensure transparency and accountability while investigations are underway. “The government of Ghana remains committed to upholding the highest standards of diplomatic conduct. It will not tolerate any actions that undermine our national security or international reputation,” the statement read.

A special investigative team has been dispatched to the embassy in Washington, D.C., to audit records and interview relevant personnel. In the meantime, consular services, including visa applications and passport renewals, have been suspended until further notice. Ghanaians in the U.S. with urgent travel or documentation needs are advised to contact nearby Ghanaian consulates in New York or Houston.

Reactions from the Ghanaian diaspora have been mixed. Many are concerned about the impact on travel plans. They also worry about consular access. Civil society organisations have called for a transparent investigation and regular updates from the Foreign Ministry.

The Ghanaian government has pledged to cooperate with U.S. authorities as part of the broader inquiry and will take disciplinary action if any diplomatic staff are found culpable.

Further updates are expected in the coming days as the investigation progresses.